Pastor Peg Nowling of First Baptist Church said that sexual misconduct
and child abuse is a societal issue, not just a problem for some Roman
Catholic priests.

SPEAKING
OUT: Pastor Peg Nowling of First Baptist Church was abused by a
family friend when she was 5 years old. She says child molestation
is a societal problem and should be discussed. (Photo by John
Terhune, Journal and Courier)

Nowling, 50, was molested at age 5 by an adult male who was a family
friend. She said she didn't come to terms with the assault until she was
40.

"If we could get an honest response, we would find out that most women
have been molested," said Nowling, who was ordained in 1995.

"When the church is guilty of it, it is even worse."

An informal sampling of local Protestant ministers shows that
denominations have similar methods of dealing with sexual misconduct
allegations.

"This splashes mud on all of the Church, not just Catholics. It is not
a time for other religions to gloat," said the Rev.

Edward Tourangeau, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church.

"If the Roman Catholics are hurting, we are all hurting as the Body of
Christ."

St. John's, which is in the Indianapolis Diocese, has had sexual
misconduct protocols in place for 10 years.

"Our policies are pretty much on a national level, although they are
administered on a diocesan level," he said.

"There is a response team in place."

Tourangeau said that members of the vestry in the parish must read the
policy and sign an affidavit.

When an allegation is made, the accused is removed from the position as
the response team investigates.

"The bishop stays out of it," Tourangeau said. "During my time in the
diocese (11 years), we've never had to use the response team.

"The misconduct we encounter nationally is not pedophilia, but adults
who cross boundaries with other adults."